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Join/Renew Membership

Why Join the AHA?

If your field is history—no matter what your specialization is or where you work—membership in the American Historical Association is indispensable. Among the numerous organizations that serve historians, only the AHA brings together historians from all geographical, chronological, and topical specializations and all work contexts, embracing the breadth and variety of activity in history today. Only the AHA addresses the diverse special needs of individuals and the interests of the discipline as a whole. No matter what other specialized organizations you belong to, AHA membership is still essential; no other organization serves you and the discipline as a whole like the AHA.

Featured Member Benefit

On the job market and having trouble managing your application materials? On a search committee and overwhelmed with applications? The AHA is happy to announce that we will be offering complimentary Interfolio services as a new member benefit. Interfolio is an online service that streamlines the application process for both job seekers and search committees by delivering and collecting professional dossiers.

FAQs: Membership

Q. Does AHA offer multiple-year memberships? A: Yes, AHA now offers a three-year membership renewal option. This is a great way to “lock-in” your current membership rate.

Q: If I join the AHA today, when will my membership expire?A: One year (or three years) from the month you join.

Q: I just received a renewal notice but my membership doesn’t expire for four months. If I renew now, what will my new expiration date be?A: Your membership will expire one year (or three years) from your current expiration date.

Q: I joined online. How soon can I log on to member services?A: Online applications and renewals are processed immediately. Your access to member services will begin after you receive your membership e-mail confirmation. New members will receive a welcome packet in the mail.

Q: I do not wish to receive print copies of the AHR or Perspectives of History. What should I do?A: You may request to stop receiving print copies of the AHR and receive a $12 discount per year when you join or renew by marking the check box on the rate page.To decline print copies of Perspectives, contact the membership department at members@historians.org.

Q: I am a foreign member and wish to receive no print publications and waive the postage fee. What should I do?A: Contact the membership department at members@historians.orgprior to paying your invoice.

Q: My spouse/partner is a member of the AHA: Can I join at a discounted member rate?A: The AHA Council has eliminated the Spouse/Partner category. But you can join at a discount by declining print mailings of the AHR.

Q: Can I cancel my membership during the year and receive a refund?A: Membership may be cancelled by contacting the AHA membership department by e-mail at members@historians.org or mail; however, AHA is not able to offer refunds for cancelled memberships.

Notes:1. Proof of current status may be requested.2. Available for three years after graduation. 3. For persons whose primary identification is in fields other than history.4. K–12 teachers receive Perspectives and the AHR; annual meeting Program; and Society for History Education’s History Teacher.

All categories (except Life) receive a $12 discount per year when joining or renewing if they choose not to receive print copies of the AHR.

Please note that overseas members, including Canada and Mexico, need to add $20 per year for postage.

Member Testimonial

I think I should thank the AHA for helping many of us in this profession get jobs, share our work, find colleagues, have a collective voice, and be featured on blogs. All of it is important, and we are lucky to have the organization.